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Using robots on Spanish City Dome

We have ‘welcomed the robots’ to support our 10-strong team as we begin main construction works on Whitley Bay’s Spanish City Dome.

Picture: Robertson project team Andrew Coleman, Chris Price and Dave Oxley begin main works on Whitley Bay’s Spanish City Dome.

Robertson North East is working in partnership with North Tyneside Council to bring the iconic structure back to its former glory for the benefit of families in North Tyneside and right across the UK.

"A lot of the work on the Spanish City has been done by hand to date, due to the importance we have placed on conserving original fixtures."

Project Manager Andrew Coleman

Andrew Coleman continued: "We've been working very closely with conservation architects from ADP and North Tyneside Council to identify key fixtures like the ornate cornicing and wall mouldings that were hidden behind plasterboard. We've even gone as far as to call in expert craftsmen to recreate some of the original plasterwork because it's part of the building's original character.

"Now that we've identified these details, we are in a position where we can focus on bringing in technology to perform essential works, such as abrasive blasting and remote demolition, which will be used on the main structure. This, in turn, will allow the project team to transform the look of the building bring it back to its original appearance.

"Due to the nature and location of the works, where possible we will use Brokks (remote-controlled demolition robots) which will allow the works to be carried out in a safe, controlled manner. The fact that we don't have a person inside them means that the operator can stand at a safe distance and reach areas within the structure that would prove very challenging otherwise."

Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, comments: "The restoration of Whitley Bay's Spanish City Dome, procured through Scape Group's National Major Works framework, is an excellent example of innovation in action. It is incredibly important that the construction industry drives to develop immersive technologies – such as the 'demolition robots' used on this project – to ensure a high-tech, highly productive and safe construction industry. It is also fantastic to see the very latest methods being used to protect and preserve the heritage of this unique building."

Robertson expects to conclude the first phase of work by spring 2018, when the Grade II listed building will be handed over to commercial operator Kymel Trading Ltd to run as a high-quality leisure, wedding and conferencing venue. The second phase will involve an internal fit-out by Kymel, with the aim of opening in 2018.